“Simple Giving”: A Purposeful Purchase

Today I am deeply honored to share an incredible book and resource for anyone who has a desire to make a difference in this world, but feels overwhelmed and unsure of where and how to do just that. This book was written by a beloved blogging friend with whom I have followed closely and consequently, we have grown a deep and lasting personal bond over the course of several years. Jennifer Iacovelli has been an inspiration to me as I have followed her philanthropy series on her blog, Another Jennifer, and learned a great deal about giving and what that really means.

Jennifer has been on a quest to discover and share with her readers, many various organizations that have made a difference in this world through unique forms of giving. She has spent her career devoted to the idea that we can all make a difference in the lives of many, no matter the size of our wallet or the amount of time and energy we have. Her mission has been to raise awareness of the unlimited ways we can give simply, therefore proving philanthropic purpose is in all our reach. She has opened the perspective of philanthropy in a new refreshing way, by revealing through her blog series and now in her book, that we can truly make giving a part of our everyday lives, and that there are countless opportunities to do just that.

I love how she started her mission, and defined her passion as she researched ways to give and what that really means. In her first chapter titled “The Pull To Give” she writes, “I knew I wanted to do more in terms of giving, but I didn’t know how to approach the task.” After researching more about Philanthropy, she realized that the common theme surrounding philanthropy was “ …the act of bettering and supporting humankind. Donating money was not the key factor in defining philanthropy. This was an eye opening discovery for me, as it made me think differently about the concept of giving back.”

Her pursuit was birthed from there. She wanted to discover new ways to give, and this drove her desire to explore innovative ideas in how to fulfill this intention. Inspired to learn more and raise awareness for others to be educated in simple giving, she began her philanthropy series on her blog- reaching out to many companies with a philanthropic philosophy. Over and over again, she discovered an abundance of giving opportunities for us all.

Do you have a heart to give? Or perhaps you have a desire to make a difference somewhere, somehow and just don’t even know where to begin? Do you feel as though you don’t really have the resources or the time to do much, but still feel compelled to want to do something?

Jennifer has written this book for you.

“Simple Giving” will lead you through the psychology of giving and the impact giving can make on not only the lives you affect, but your own life as well. She guides the reader through various benefits of giving and how meaningful it can be for our own well being.

She then presents 6 giving models, educating us in how we can give and where we can give:

1. Everyday Acts of Kindness 2. A New Approach to Traditional Philanthropy 3. Shopping with a Conscience 4. Taking Action on Your Passion 5. Giving as a Business Model 6. Giving It Forward

In each of these models, Jennifer examines the particular area of giving and expounds upon her description with numerous examples and opportunities for us to follow, pursue, and seek out to actively contribute. She offers countless resources that reflect that particular giving model, and shares inspiring stories in how specific philanthropic missions were created. I can’t tell you how many pages I earmarked, because there are SO many amazing sites, businesses, giving organizations she introduces us to, so we don’t have to search for them ourselves.

I particularly benefited from the ‘action steps’ she provides at the end of every chapter, giving us applicable steps we can take in our own individual paths of giving. I love how thorough she is in each chapter, as it is clear she wanted to present a full landscape of prospects for us all to consider, as we delve into our own motivations to give. Her knowledge and experience in philanthropic missions around the world reveals such a broad and extensive foundation, there is truly no resource like it out there.

I consider this book the ultimate hand book of giving simply. The countless organizations and companies she lists alone, as well as the specific and detailed ways in which we can contact and contribute to them all- is a wealth of information for every reader to make simple giving a part of their everyday living.

If you are at that place in your own life, where you feel compelled to make a difference in this world- one simple step at a time-

THIS is your book.

And honestly? I believe we all have a deep desire to give in some way…

It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, time consuming, or hugely sacrificial. Jennifer proves that simple giving can be profoundly impactful, both for those we choose to help and for the powerful sense of fulfillment it brings to us.

I can’t think of a better book to buy for yourself or someone as a gift. There are so many items out there on the market we can buy, but this? This one is what I would call- A Purposeful Purchase. Not only will this book make a difference in your ability and potential to give, but it will ultimately guide you through a deeper more meaningful direction in your life.

Today this book is on SALE for a discounted price. Go make your purposeful purchase… I promise you will be better off for it.

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And to my dearest friend, Jennifer…I am in tears writing this, because I celebrate your dream, your heart, and your mission alongside you with incredible enthusiasm and profound pride. You are an inspiration to me always- through every bold courageous step I have watched you take. Each one has been an example to us all in how to live a life full of purpose, deep fulfillment, and honorable integrity. YOU are my hero. I love you.

Comments

Chris, we are so on the same page today, as I shared my review, too and seriously has become one of my all-time favorite reads as it really just such an enlightening and rewarding book to help remind us all to be more giving daily.

This book is on my “to buy list” for a while. Too long obvisously Chris. Thank you for such a beautiful review that is as inspiring as the book is, I imagine.
We know we want to do something but how to do it, how to make even a tiny difference is a big question mark on our boards. Thanks to Jennifer for compiling all the ressources we need and help us change our lives, for the best!

You DID. IT!!! And the book is truly AMAZING!! Girl, you YOU are amazing! I want this book to be in the hands of all people who need to understand how attainable and simple making a difference in this world can be! You shared ALL the ingredients needed to both inspire people to give and lead the way to where/how/ and why. BRAVO MY FRIEND!!

Thank you for sharing this. I’m seriously considering purchasing. Honestly, I struggle with this all the time. I didn’t even know how bad I was at giving until a friend gave me grief about it. When I get right down, giving is truly hard and I don’t quite understand it.

Gina, you must get it! You will find all sorts of ideas and organizations that you can choose and then you can figure out how to give SIMPLY everyday. This book will help you understand a much easier approach to it all! It won’t’ hurt’ as much. And I get it, my friend. I truly do!!

Long ago my mother told me that there are other ways to give that aren’t monetary (after I had complained to her that any dollar amount donated would be a huge sacrifice for our young family) – we can give our time, our talents, and our presence as gifts to others. I never forgot that lesson. I love this book as a resource for those who perhaps don’t have a mom as wise as mine. 🙂 It will educate others who otherwise might give up on giving because it seems too big of a thing to do. Thank you!

I love that lesson your mom taught you, Andrea! Tis true indeed! Jennifer’s book gives so many incredible stories of inspiration and an abundant amount of ways to give. It’s really not all or nothing, when it comes to giving!

Hi Chris! Thank you for introducing me to this author and blogger. What a wonderful mission she has, it’s one that we all should be on. Treating each other with dignity and giving someone a ‘hand up’ is the way to be like Christ. I can see that she’s truly impacted your life and way of thinking, so I know it’s a powerful book.

God bless Jennifer for following her path, and inviting us to walk with her,
Ceil

Oh Ceil, you always have the best comments. 🙂 Thank you friend. Jennifer truly has created an incredible book and resource for us all, so we can realize how simple giving really matters. The organizations she shares and the wealth of insight she has about giving every day is inspiring and motivating to me- and will be to anyone who reads the book!

Don’t forget – my photo is in the back! Yay! I adore her. Why don’t we all hang out?
I love this book because I’ve always been feast or famine over here with money, and I tend to forget that you don’t need to be rich to help. It’s simpler than that. LOVE.

Giving has been a life changer for me, my friend. I can’t even believe how much we end up receiving by giving. This book looks incredibly important and inspiring. It may need to be something I buy in bulk for Christmas gifts ;). Thank you for your glowing recommendation for Jennifer’s special book and mission.

I love that giving has been such a significant ‘life changer’ for you, Candace! Jennifer has the book for you to give for Christmas! It will choc full of ideas and incredible organizations to take a look into, for you and people you know!